Review: BIC® Velocity® Max Mechanical Pencils

I have been using only BIC mechanical pencils for years and the only complaint I ever had was the eraser size. Often, I'd run out and so had to buy a separate eraser clicky stick(affiliate link). Whatever they were called, you know what I mean. Anyway, Smiley360 and BIC sent me a #FreeSample (full size product with two pencils and a refill pack) to test and review. I was actually impressed with the design improvement compared to the classic BIC mechanicals. The eraser is 75% larger, the lead is darker and easier to erase, the gel grip feels good, the overall design and metal tip is more 'professional' looking. Each BIC Velocity Max holds 12 lead sticks. The included refill tube has 12 lead sticks and 5 erasers which was a generous bonus. These are an amazing upgrade to the classic BIC mechanical pencils. My only complaint is the tab on the side is made of cheaper plastic (easier to break) than the old classic mechanicals. I used to bend those things like crazy when I was bored, totally hard to break! The gel feels AMAZING and helps me write for longer (carpal tunnel sucks!) and the lead actually erases cleanly. Can't wait to buy more for my office and art projects.

During the month or so I had to test these, I spoke to other parents, school staff and a curious kids about the new BIC Velocity Max. I had one clipped to my bag and someone had asked about it, so it got the conversation going without be even having to do anything. I was thrilled to share because I was actually impressed with the design improvement compared to the classic BIC mechanicals. I shared my coupons (well the 10 that I had) with the ones who were most interested in purchase. A few people seemed skeptical that they would erase well, so I showed them. Everyone was impressed as I was with the lead quality and I had a few kids ask for one of my pencils, but I told them that they were a #FreeSample thanks to Smiley360 and BIC, so I didn't want to part with them. My kids have also been telling their friends about them, so not I have to go buy more because they keep losing them...or so they say. Probably giving them away or getting them stolen because who would willingly or easily lose these, they're huge!

Do you use mechanical pencils? Will you be trying these? Leave me a comment and if you draw something, I'd love to see it. Share a link!